Ranking the 10 Most Mobile Defensemen in the NHL for 2015-16

Mobile defensemen have always been valuable, but today's NHL gives these players elevated status. Speed and mobility are useful in all areas of the game, and since so much of the action occurs in transition, the top-end skaters can dominate.

Every year sees the best skaters among the first defensemen drafted, and the popularity of these player-types are forcing the slower, pure defender to the outskirts of the game. Every team has at least one puck mover who can defend, and some have several as part of their arsenal. The number of these players grows every year, and the best are among the biggest stars in the game. 

Here, in order, are the 10 most mobile defensemen in the game today. Rankings are based on strength of opposition, difficulty of zone start, quality of linemates and long-term success.

Note: All possession stats via HockeyAnalysis.com unless otherwise indicated.

10. John Klingberg, Dallas Stars

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

What Makes Him So Good?

John Klingberg of the Dallas Stars adjusted so quickly to the NHL, it's a wonder it took him so long to get there. A strong skater and outstanding passer, he's a powerful weapon for Dallas.

Is He a Good Possession Player?

The one area for Klingberg to work on is possession. When paired with Alex Goligoski, he's well over 50 percent but shy of that number when playing with others.

What's the Goal for 2015-16? This is an exceptional young talent, and criticizing a rookie year like Klingberg's is a bit ridiculous. That said, he has elite potential and should look to improve his possession number in Year 2.

9. Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins

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What Makes Him So Good?

Kris Letang can do things on the ice that few others can do. His ability to move laterally is outstanding, and he's a tremendous straightaway skater. Add those things to his creativity and passing ability and he's an impact player when healthy.

Is He a Good Possession Player?

Letang's possession numbers are always strong, but Pittsburgh Penguins players get a significant spike because of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Even with that understood, Letang is bona fide talent.

What's the Goal for 2015-16?

The only thing Penguins fans should worry about in regard to Letang is his health. If he's in the lineup, good things will happen. The goal for this season is over 75 games.

8. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona Coyotes

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What Makes Him So Good?

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a brilliant defenseman with a complete skill set. He is one the best skaters among defensemen in the game today and a big part of the Arizona Coyotes offense.

Is He a Good Possession Player?

Ekman-Larsson is over 50 percent in possession but might be a better overall defenseman if he played a less risky game. The Coyotes don't have that luxury, as he's too important to their offense.

What's the Goal for 2015-16?

The Coyotes are building their roster and this season will no doubt be another transition season. Ekman-Larsson is one of their building blocks and will be expected to carry more than his share of the load again in 2015-16.

7. Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames

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What Makes Him So Good?

Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames is an intelligent two-way defenseman whose calm and effective play is a major part of Calgary's recent success.

Is He a Good Possession Player?

Although the numbers show Giordano's possession is less than 50 percent, comparing his totals to other defensemen drives home his importance. The Flames were a different team when Giordano wasn't on the ice. He's a quality possession player despite the hard number. 

What's the Goal for 2015-16?

The problem in Calgary—despite its success—is an issue of quality. Adding Dougie Hamilton helps the Flames, but for Giordano, another season like last one is all anyone can reasonably expect. Calgary needs to improve its performance when its best player isn't on the ice.

6. Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues

Billy Hurst/Associated Press

What Makes Him So Good?

Alex Pietrangelo of the St. Louis Blues is a quality two-way player who impacts the game at both ends. His natural skating and passing abilities mean he can get the puck out of trouble by carry or pass, and his smooth style makes everything look easy.

Is He a Good Possession Player?

Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester are a solid pairing despite facing some tough opposition every night. The beauty of the duo is that both are complete talents—that's a rare thing in today's NHL. 

What's the Goal for 2015-16?

Pietrangelo was part of a historically strong 2008 draft for defensemen, but men such as Drew Doughty and Erik Karlsson have won Stanley Cups and individual awards before him. A long playoff run and an NHL award are the next step for Pietrangelo, and we may see it in 2015-16.

5. Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning

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What Makes Him So Good?

Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning is often overlooked when it comes to mobile defenders. Despite being a big man, Hedman is mobile and effective in puck retrieval and joining the rush.

Is He a Good Possession Player?

Hedman is especially strong in this area when partnered with Anton Stralman. That pair had a strong playoff and was on full display during their deep run this spring. 

What's the Goal for 2015-16?

He plays 22 effective minutes a night, impacts the game in all three zones and is a load every shift. The Lightning are focused on winning the Stanley Cup, and Hedman is now heading into what should be his prime. This should be a memorable campaign for Tampa Bay.

4. P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

What Makes Him So Good?

P.K. Subban is a major force when on the ice for the Montreal Canadiens. His speed and size, combined with fearless physical play, makes Subban one of the few physically dangerous impact players in today's game.

Is He a Good Possession Player?

Subban is an outstanding possession player, his 52 percent total elevating the numbers for his partner and overall delivering a strong game at even strength. He's a tremendous defenseman in the prime of his career.

What's the Goal for 2015-16?

The expectation is another season of 82 games with Montreal, having a major say in all areas. Subban's one Norris Trophy probably needs company, and that could come in 2015-16.

3. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

What Makes Him So Good?

Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings grades out at a high level across the board, which makes him extremely effective in all areas.

Is He a Good Possession Player?

Doughty is a possession giant and along with Jake Muzzin forms one of the best combinations in the game. The ice is constantly tilted in the Kings favor when Doughty is out there for Los Angeles.

What's the Goal for 2015-16?

The most astounding oversight in the modern game is Doughty's lack of a Norris Trophy. The voters have done themselves a disservice in overlooking him in the past, and they would do well to reward Doughty if he repeats the performance of last season.

2. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

What Makes Him So Good?

Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks is a complete defenseman. Despite being undersized for the job, he's a rugged player with good speed and soft hands. Keith's range of skills is a key component in Chicago's ongoing success.

Is He a Good Possession Player?

Keith and his partner, Brent Seabrook, are possession demons, and their ability to retrieve the puck, make a quick decision and outlet are textbook operations for the modern game.

What's the Goal for 2015-16?

We're at a point now where Keith has accomplished so much—two Norris trophies and a Conn Smythe Trophy—that the only real question left is how long can he sustain this level of excellence?

1. Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

What Makes Him So Good?

Eric Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators is a brilliant player with the puck on his stick. Highly creative, his vision allows him to create offense at even strength and on the power play.

Is He a Good Possession Player?

He is a strong possession player—54 percent over the last three seasons—especially when paired with Marc Methot. The burly veteran complements Karlsson's run-and-gun style extremely well, and they're a substantial pairing for any opponent to deal with on a nightly basis.

What's the Goal for 2015-16?

Karlsson won the Norris Trophy while scoring 66 points last season, his second in six NHL campaigns. A repeat of last year should be the goal, and he's good enough to deliver.